Cotton was an honorable mention Associated Press All-East and All-America selection as a senior in 1978. A first-team All-Ivy League defensive back as a senior, he was an honorable mention All-Ivy in 1977. Cotton also was named team defensive MVP in his final season. He was a three-year letter winner than ranked among the team leader in tackles each season. Cotton was an alternate selection to compete in the East-West Senior All-Star game. He captured the team's Charles Colucci Award for the non-senior who most contributed to the success of the team in 1977 and the Coaches Award in 1978 for most consistency throughout their career .Cotton was part of a team that ranked No. 1 nationally in pass defense and did not allow a passing touchdown all season in 1978. A two-time ECAC Division I Defensive Player of the Week, he was a three-year starter who ended his career with seven interceptions and 138 tackles. Cotton was inducted into the Section V Hall of Fame in 2010.
